Three-legged drop leaf chair-side table



Sept. 22,1936. L. P. ERPELDING 2,055,007

THREE-LEGGED DROP LEAF CHAIR SIDE TABLE Filed May 8, 1956 ATTORNEY5.

Patented Sept. 22, 1936 UNITED. STATES: PATENT OFFICE THREE-LEGGED DROPLEAF CHAIRLSIDE TABLE 1 Lawrence P. Erpelding, Indianapolis, Ind. v 7Application May 8. 1936, Serial No. 78,629

SClaims. (01. 311- This invention relates to a three-legged tablesuitable for positioning adjacent the side of a chair, or the like, andadapted to support beverage receptacles and other articles.

The chief objectof this invention is to provide a table structure whichis of knock-down character and which may be readily extended from theknock-down position tothe table forming position and which may bereadily transported, whether in the knock-down or table formingcondition.

Another object of the invention is to so arrange the parts of such atable structure that when collapsed or knocked down, the several partsoccupy a minimum amount of space.

Another object of the invention is to construct a table of the aforesaidcharacter of but a minimum number of parts.

The chief feature of the invention consists in the formation of a tablestructure, whereby the aforesaid objects are accomplished.

Another feature of the invention consists in providing a receptacle inthe table top which is yieldingly retained therein, whether the table beknocked down or in table forming position but which may be readilyseparated from the table for cleaning purposes, said receptacle being sopositioned with respect to the table top that when the top is arrangedin collapsed positiomthe base of said receptacle does not interfere withthe full collapse of the respective parts of the table into the minimumvolume if the depth of said receptacle is of appreciable character.

Another feature of the invention consists in'v the provision of meanswhendesired, for-positively interlockingly connecting the movable leg tothe tiltable table top when the table structure is in table formingposition.

The full nature of the invention will be understood from theaccompanying drawing and the following description and claims:

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a rear view ofthe table structure in thecollapsed or knock-down position. v

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a simplified form of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspectiveview of ,one form of positive interlock betweenthe movable leg and the tiltable table top, said interlock including themovable, leg and stop. e r

Fig. 4 .is a side view of a modified form of leg stop and table and leginterlock.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 and of a modified form of theinvention. K 4 1'Flg.f6 is a view similartovFigs. 4 and 5 and of a stillfurther modifiedform of the-invention. Fig. 7 is a view'of a leg lockof'slightly different form from that shown; in Figs; 4, '5, and 6.

In the drawing, ill-indicates a leg, II another leg spaced therefrom. [2indicates a third leg. 5 A pair of cross bars I 3 and I4 rigidly connectlegs I0 and H together. The cross bar I4 is positioned near the top ofthe two legs and cross bar I3 is positioned intermediate the endsthereof and approximately'midway between the top and 10 bottom of thelegs." 1 v A pair of hinges i5, herein, are shown having one leafsuitably secured to each of the legs l0 and Hand the other leaf issuitably secured to a table top I6, herein shown semi-circular in 15'outline. j V When in table forming position, the top lies in a plane atright angles to the plane of the legs l0 and II but due to the play inthe hinges/it may betilted slightly above the'horizontal, the 20 purposeof which will be set forth hereinafter with respect to the forms of theinvention shown in Figs, 3 and 4. Herein the legs 10 and H are shownextending upwardly beyond the plane of the table top whenin tableforming position and such extensions are indicated by the numerals l1and I8 for legs l0 and i I, respectively Such extended portions also areconnected'by across bar I 9 and the latter serves as a handle for carrying the table when it iseither in the knock-down 3 position or in thetable. forming position;

Suitably secured to leg I2 is a cross bar 20 and also secured thereto inspaced relation to bar 20 is the cross bar ;2l. These two bars areOf-equal length and herein are shown pivotally 3 connected to the crossbars l4 and I 3, respectively. The pivotal connection includes a spacingwasher 22,9. pivot member in the form of a. pin .23 which above thecross bar 14 is provided with the enlarged head 24. The pin at its lowerend is en- 4 larged as at 26 beneath a washer 21 positioned on'the lowersurface of the'cross bar. 7 The two pins 23 are in alignment and theaxis of pivotal movement is immediately adjacent one leg. Herein,however, the axis of pivotal movement is 45 approximately one-seventh ofthe, width'of the spacing between legs I0 and I I. If desired, however,the cross bars 2| and 20 maybe connected to the cross bars l4 and I3closer to the leg In or may be, in certain instances, pivotally connected to brackets secured to the leg in. Asshown clearly in Fig. .1,the length of the cross bars 20 and 2| is less than the length of crossbars, l3 and I4 and leg lziwhen' collapsed 55 or in knock-down position,lies immediately adjacent leg 11.

In order to position the table structure in the minimum space or depthwhich is the thickness of the legs and 11 plus the thickness of thetable top, one of the legs is notched and two of the cross bars arenotched. Herein, since the leg 12 is positioned between legs 10 and 11,the leg 12 is notched as at 28 and the cross bars 13 and 14 are notchedas at 29. The width of the notch 28 is equal to the thickness or depthof the cross bars 13 and 14. The width of the notch 29 is equal to thewidth of the leg 12 and the depths of said notches are approximatelyhalf of the thicknesses of the cooperating notched members so that whenthe movable leg structure is collapsed into the final knocked downposition, the three legs lie in the same plane and all the cross barslie in that plane.

As shown clearly in Figs. 1 and 2, there is provided upon theundersurface of the table top, a stop 30, which is adapted to abutagainst leg 12, when the latter is extended and limit the swingingmovement of said leg, said swinging movement beingpermitted when thetable top is tilted from the vertical position, or position parallel tothe legs, into a horizontal position, or a position transverse to thelegs. As shown clearly in Fig. l, the stop 30 is positioned so that itclears the cross bar 21 and the length of the stop is such that it doesnot project beyond the two outermost planes of the table structure whencollapsed.

In Fig. 3 a modified form of stop, which has locking characteristics, isillustrated. In this form of the invention, the table top 116 includesthe stop 130 depending therefrom and the movable or third leg 112 isrecessed as at 131.

It will be remembered that mention was made hereinbefore of a slightplay in the hinge structure and said slight play permits the table topto be elevated slightly above the horizontal, reference being had to thedistance between the table top 1 I6 and the top of the leg 1 12 when theparts are being arranged in the table forming position. Such additionaltilting movement permits the pin 130 to register with the opening orrecess 131 and when such registration occurs the table top is lowered sothat the pin seats in the recess 131.

In Fig. 4 a modified form of the invention is illustrated and in saidfigure, 216 indicates the table top and 212 the leg. In this form of theinvention, the stop portion is indicated by the numeral 230 andcomprises a downwardly directed portion of a strap having a base portion233 and an inclined approach portion 232. Ascrew or similar member 234secures the base portion 233 to the underface of the top 216. The top ofthe leg 212, preferably but not necessarily, is recessed as at 231 toaccommodate the head 235 of the screw 234 or other anchorage means.

In this form of the invention, no care in looking the combination stopand interlock is required, because after the table top is elevated intoapproximately the horizontal position, the third and movable leg ispivoted into table forming position until it engages the approachportion 232 and continued swinging movement ofsaid third legautomatically tilts upwardly the table top beyond the horizontal untilthe leg drops into the groove formed between the approach portion andthe stop 230, further pivoting movement of the leg then being preventedand return pivoting movement of the leg also being prevented; V

When the table is to becollapsed, the table top is no more than thethickness of the leg is tilted slightly above the horizontal untilportion 232 lies in a plane immediately above the top of the leg 212,whereupon leg 212 may be swung on its pivotal support and into thecollapsed position, and the top then lowered in collapsed position.

In Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, there is illustrated a well 411 whichconsists of a hole formed in the table top, and frictionallyvforcedtherein is a receptacle having a flange 41 overlying the table top andprovided with radial grooves 42 for cigarette support, or like purpose,a side wall 43 of any suitable depth, and a bottom or base 44. It ispreferred that the depth of the side wall 43 10 or 11, plus thethickness of the table top. As shown clearly in Fig. 1, this receptacleis retained in thewell in the table top even when the table top isarranged in the knock-down position. The friction fit is such also thatthe receptacle readily may be forcibly ejected from the wellwhichpermits cleaning thereof. As shown clearly in 1, the position ofthe receptacle is such relative to the cross bars and the legs, when incollapsed position and as shown clearly in Fig. 2 the position of thereceptacle is such relative to the cross bar 20 when the parts are intable forming position, that said receptacle offers no .interference tothe movement of the several parts into table forming position or to thecomplete collapse thereof into the knock-down position.

In Fig. 5 of the drawing,a modified form of top and movable leginterlock is illustrated. In said figure 316 indicates the top, 312 theleg and 330 a spring clip anchored as at 334 to the bottom of the tabletop 316, and having its tongue portion yieldingly associated with theaperture 331 in the leg 312. The spring clip 330.has its spring end ofspoon, formation, the same bein indicated as at 332 and it includes abend portion 333, which imparts the resiliency to the fixture. This formof the invention differs from that shown in Figs. 3 and 4, wherein onlylateral movement of the leg is prevented in that the present fixture notonly prevents the same but also prevents upward movement of the tabletop relative to the leg, although in Fig. 3, if the pin 130 were oftapered character, it might be possible to have a friction taper fitwhich would accomplish the same purpose. However, this has the objectionthat after several engagements the size of the pin and hole would besuch that this function would be lost, because it is desirable in theform of the invention shownin Fig. 3 that the top rest on the top of theleg. The free end of the clip 330 when it engages in the end of therecess 331 serves as a stop for limiting leg swinging movement.

In Fig. 6 a form of the, invention similar to that shown in Fig. 5 isillustrated, but in this form, the opening 43! in the leg 412 extendsentirely through the leg and transversely thereof as distinguishedfromthe opening.131, as shown in Fig. 3, which is in longitudinalalignment with the leg. The clip 430 is suitably secured to the tabletop 416 as at 434. It includes a shoulder or offset portion 433 whichserves as a stop for limiting swinging movement of the leg. The free endof the clip terminates in the portion 432 and this is positioned on theopposite'side of. the leg 412 when associated therewith. The inherentresiliency in this clip normally holds down the table top to the leg412.

I The angular end 432 of the clip which has a cam effect for ease of:pa'ssage'to' and fro through the slot, 'is normally heldin rigidrelation, as

sociated cross bars when the structure is in shown, to lock the leg tothe table and prevent swinging of the leg.

In Fig. 7 a modified form of the invention is illustrated. This form ofthe invention is shown at right angles to the form shown in Figs. 4 to6, inclusive. The clip 530 includes anchorages 534 for connection to thebottom of the table top, not shown, and the clip includes two projectingportions 533 which have free ends directed towards each other in curvedrelation as at 532 for gripping the included portion 5l2a of the leg5|2, formed as a result of the two recesses 53L A modified form of theaforesaid is a reversal thereof and such form would have a singleopening 531 and the two portions 532 reversely directed and engaging thetwo opposite sides of the single opening 53L The two portions 533 heparallel to each other and at right angles to the base portion 533.

Integral with the base portion and as an extension thereof and bridgingthe gap between the two portions 533, is a portion 533a which serves asa stop to prevent further swinging movement of the leg beyond thepredetermined position. The normal spacing between the two portions 532when not associated with the leg is less than the width of the partitionportion 512w. Furthermore, the top edges of the portions 532 are spacedfrom the bottom of the table top such that when the leg and the lockingclip are associated together, the table top and leg are secured togetherand thus separation of the two is prevented, both swingingly andtiltingly, until the two are forcibly disassociated.

While the invention has been described in great detail in the foregoingspecification and has been similarly illustrated, the aforesaid is to beconsidered illustrative and not restrictive in character. The severalmodifications mentioned hereinbefore, some of which have beenillustrated and described in detail, and such other modifications aswill readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in this art, are allconsidered to be within the broad scope of this invention, referencebeing had to the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:-

1. A collapsible, three-legged, chair-side table, including two legs, aplurality of spaced cross bars connecting said legs, a table topoperatively hinged to said legs, a third leg, and a plurality of spacedcross bars pivotally mounted at one end upon the other cross bars and atthe other end rigid with said third leg, one of said legs and theplurality of cross bars not directly connected thereto havingcooperating notches for interfitting therebetween to permit top droppingwithout third leg or cross bar interference.

2. A collapsible, three-legged, chair-side table, including two legs, aplurality of spaced cross bars connecting said legs, a table topoperatively hinged to said legs, a third leg, a plurality of spacedcross bars pivotally mounted at one end upon the other cross bars and atthe other end rigid with said third leg, one of said legs and theplurality of cross bars not directly connected thereto havingcooperating notches for interfitting therebetween to permit top droppingwithout third leg or cross bar interference, and a third leg stopsecured to the underside of the top for third leg engagement andnon-interferingly nestable between the pair of legs and asknock-downarrangement, said stop including a third leg receiving recessarrangement.

3. A collapsible, three-legged, chair-side table, including two legs, aplurality of spaced cross bars connecting said legs, a table topoperatively hinged to said legs, a third leg, and a plurality of spacedcross bars pivotally mounted at one end upon the other cross bars and atthe other end rigid with said third leg, one of said legs and theplurality of cross bars not directly connected thereto havingcooperating notches for interfitting therebetween to permit top droppingwithout third leg or cross bar interference, the first mentioned pair oflegs projecting above the plane of the top when extended, and a crossmember between the projecting portions of said pair of legs and servingas a handle for carrying purposes whether the table is in knock-down orextended relation.

4. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by one of the firstmentioned cross bars being positioned near the top of the firstmentioned pair'of legs, and another cross bar being positionedapproximately midway between the top and bottom thereof, one of thesecond mentioned cross bars being secured to the third mentioned legnear the top thereof and another of the second mentioned cross barsbeing secured to the third leg between the top and bottom thereof.

5. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by each group of crossbars including but two of the same and the second mentioned cross barsbeing pivotally supported upon the upper and lower surfaces of the lowerand upper cross bars of the first mentioned group, the pivotal supportsthereof being in alignment.

6. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by the second mentionedcross bars being pivoted to the first mentioned cross bars near one legthereof and the third leg when the table is collapsed being positionedimmediately adjacent the other of the first mentioned pair of legs.

7. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by the second mentionedcross bars being pivoted to the first mentioned cross bars near one legthereof and the thirdleg when the table is collapsed being positionedimmediately adjacent the other of the first mentioned pair of legs, andbetween the first mentioned pair of legs, the second mentioned crossbars being of lesser length than the first mentioned cross bars.

8. A collapsible, three-legged, chair-side table, including two legs, apair of spaced cross bars connecting said legs, a table top operativelyhinged to said legs, a third leg, and a pair of spaced cross barspivotally mounted at one end immediately adjacent one of said pair oflegs, the other ends of the second mentioned cross bars being rigid withsaid third leg, said second mentioned cross bars being of lesser lengththan the first mentioned cross bars, said first mentioned cross barsimmediately adjacent the other of the first mentioned pair of legs andthe third leg having cooperating notches permitting interfitting nestingof the notched cross bars and leg when collapsed, the table top whencollapsed lying in a plane parallel to the collapsed supportingstructure without interference therefrom.

LAWRENCE P. ERPELDING.

